Steve Kerr refuses to confirm whether ‘hugely important’ player will start for Warriors after Al Horford arrival

Steve Kerr unsure of Brandin Podziemski’s place in starting five

Brandin Podziemski impressed in his first two seasons with the Warriors, averaging around 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game.

The 22-year-old will now be expected to take a leap in his third year with the team, perhaps upping his offensive output to 15 PPG.

Podziemski started in the Warriors’ latest preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers and scored 23 points, suggesting that he has earned a full-time place in the starting lineup.

Steve Kerr praised the shooting guard in his post-game press conference, but did not say whether his role will be a starter or a sixth man this season.

“I can’t say that yet. We’ve got to see where we are. Brandin’s going to play a ton. He’s a hugely important player for us,” Kerr said.

“But the starting lineup frankly is a little tricky for us, given the pieces and Al’s age. If Al were a little younger, he’d be in the starting lineup for sure.

“But if he’s playing limited minutes, it’s tough for him to start and finish a game if he’s not playing as many minutes as he would a few years ago.

“So, we still have a lot to think about. But Brandin is going to be a huge part for us, one way or another.”

Steve Kerr has several starting lineup options

The Golden State Warriors have three guaranteed starters: Stephen Curry , Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.

Steve Kerr would probably like to add Al Horford’s name to that list, but the 39-year-old will need to be managed carefully throughout the season.

If Horford does not start, Trayce Jackson-Davis or Quinten Post could play instead, or Green could play as a small-ball five, with Jonathan Kuminga as the four.

Elsewhere, either Moses Moody  or Brandin Podziemski will be vying for the vacant shooting guard position next to Curry.

Having plenty of options is a good problem to have, but Kerr will have his work cut out to settle on his starting five and bench unit in the coming days.